Rio Ferdinand wanted in US and Middle East

Rio Ferdinand could leave Manchester United in 2013 with clubs from the US and Middle East interested in signing him, the Daily Mail reports.

The 34-year-old defender is expected to be offered a one year contract extension with the Red Devils after overcoming his back problems and proving his fitness to the Sir Alex Ferguson, playing regularly for the last 18 months.

Ferdinand however has interest from the Middle East and US while also being an attraction to other Premier League clubs, although a move abroad would seem more likely.

He arrived at Old Trafford 10 summers ago from Leeds for a deal in the region of £30million, which at the time made him the most expensive British footballer in history.

Despite certain controversies off the pitch, the most publicised of course being the missed drugs test, Ferdinand has enjoyed a hugely successful time at the club. A mainstay of the United defence since his arrival in 2002, he has helped his side to numerous prizes, most notably five Premier League titles and a Champions League.

The player himself has not given any indication on his intentions for the future and whether he will remain at Old Trafford or continue his career at all, despite Ferguson openly expressing his desire for him to delay his retirement.

It is believed that Ferdinand wants to see how his body copes with the demands of a busy fixture list over the Christmas Period before making a decision.